In addition to providing a solid foundation in clinical psychology, our master’s level Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization prepares students to help a wide variety of clients with disabilities such as autism and other behavior difficulties develop socially significant improvements in their behavior. Our course work is certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® and graduates are eligible for national Board Certification by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board®.

Program Highlights

• Faculty well-known in the field with expertise in diverse areas including precision teaching, developmental disabilities, rehabilitation, and psychopharmacology.
• Students learn to determine experimentally the cause(s) of problem behavior, develop humane and effective interventions, and assess outcomes.
• Students learn to validate their approach to each client by measuring progress frequently.
• Program features thorough training in a variety of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques.
• Uses a theoretical foundation to train practitioners in a real-world setting.
• High value placed on the ability to work with and understand diverse and underserved populations; successful students demonstrate an appreciation for and competence in this area.
• Excellent theoretical classroom training coupled with out-of-classroom learning opportunities in a dynamic urban environment.

Program Objectives

• Students will learn the theoretical frameworks and scientific bases of ABA clinical work at the doctoral or master’s level.
• Students will develop essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills in order to work with a variety of clinical populations and a myriad of emotional and psychological conditions within the ABA framework.
• Students will learn ABA research methodologies and be able to critically evaluate research as it relates to behavioral interventions.
• Students will learn the ethical and professional guidelines of clinical psychology and ABA.
• Students will understand and appreciate the impact of diversity and cultural issues in the field of clinical psychology.
• New graduated students will be eligible to take the Behavior Analyst Certification Board Exam.

Additional Application Requirements for International Students

If English is not your primary language, you must submit official scores from TOEFL (www.toefl.org) (School Code: 7161) or from IELTS (www.ielts.org) with your application. If you attend or have attended a university that is not in the United States, you must submit a “course-by-course” evaluation of your transcripts. You can arrange for an evaluation through several organizations: World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators Inc. Students must have a U.S. equivalent bachelor's degree. You also must submit to The Chicago School all official undergraduate and graduate transcripts in addition to the agency evaluation. Visit the Office of International Student Services website for more information about additional requirements once you have been admitted.

International students must have a completed application by the general consideration deadline. This will allow sufficient time to obtain the additional documentation required to study in the United States. Upon acceptance, international students must supply documentation of financial support showing the ability to finance their education. An I-20 visa will not be issued without this documentation.

Certification/Licensure

The Chicago School's Applied Behavior Analysis specialization course work is certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB) and meets the requirements necessary to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.

ABA students may petition to take the additional course work and practicum necessary to pursue the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure credential in Illinois. The LPC track requires an additional 14 semester hours, three credits of supervised practicum (300 hours), and the Clinical Competency Exam (CCE) beyond the ABA specialization requirements. Visit Licensure Information page for further details.

For more information about our Clinical M.A. Applied Behavior Analysis specialization contact:
Office of Admission
Toll Free: 800.721.8072
Email: admissions@thechicagoschool.edu

Additional Program Information

Applied Behavior Analysis
Clinical Psychology
Counseling Psychology
Forensic Psychology
Industrial Organizational and Business Psychology
School Psychology
Continuing Professional Development